Basil Sanderson, 1st Baron Sanderson of Ayot

Basil Sanderson was born on 19 June 1894. His father, Harold Arthur Sanderson,[1] was the general manager of the White Star Line. His mother was Maud Blood of New York City.[1]

Sanderson was educated at the Rugby School and at Trinity College, Oxford.[1] He served in the Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry in the First World War and was awarded the Military Cross.[1]

Like his father he became involved in business, especially the shipping trade, and held directorships with numerous companies.

During the Second World War he served as Director of Shipping in Port at the Ministry of Shipping from 1939 to 1941 and as Head of Port Transit Control at the Ministry of War Transport from 1941 to 1945. After the war Sanderson was managing director of the Shaw Savill shipping line from 1945 to 1959 and the firm's chairman from 1947 to 1963.

On 4 July 1960, he was raised to the peerage as Baron Sanderson of Ayot, of Welwyn in the County of Hertford.[1][3]

In 1927 Sanderson married Evelyn Constance Ismay (1897–1940),[1] daughter of businessman J. Bruce Ismay[2] who was the managing director of the White Star Line.

Sanderson died on 15 August 1971, aged 77.[1] He was succeeded in the barony by his eldest twin son Alan, who disclaimed the peerage for life the same year.[2]

Coat of arms of Basil Sanderson, 1st Baron Sanderson of Ayot

Crest A talbot passant Argent pied and eared Sable resting the dexter forepaw on an annulet Or. Escutcheon Paly of six Argent and Azure on a bend Sable a mullet Argent between two annulets Or. Supporters On either side a talbot sejant. Motto Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful)[4]